On September 22, 2026 our beloved Gramma, Edelia Martinez Aparicio, passed away at the age of 86 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s. She leaves behind one daughter and son-in-law, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Everyone who knew Edelia knows how charismatic and full of energy she was. She was a fighter all her life—from surviving a life-changing accident in 1992 that left her disabled to losing her husband and son at relatively young ages. Her body was accustomed to resilience and enduring pain, both mentally and physically. She was a warrior. She was tough, and everyone who knew her remembers her that way. If she yelled, all the grandkids would snap to attention like soldiers.

When she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, her identity changed. She went from being “la jefa” (the boss) to becoming dependent on her daughter, Mary, who cared for her until the end of her life.

In 2023, her granddaughters brought Edelia to the United States from Cuba under humanitarian circumstances. She arrived at 83, between life and death, without reliable access to healthcare or the medications she needed. They brought her to Denver, Colorado, where they used their own personal funds, along with support from nonprofit organizations such as Tepeyac Community Health Center and Denver Health, to help save her life. With that support, she was able to walk again and experience the best quality of life her family could give her.

Coming to the United States not only extended her life, but also allowed her to accomplish a lifelong dream: getting on an airplane for the very first time at the age of 83. She lived in the United States and got to see Las Vegas, Denver, and Tampa. She also loved going shopping and seeing fully stocked stores—something that brought her so much joy.

Her favorite foods were croissants, which she called “pancitos ricos,” and dates. Her least favorite was broccoli, which she called “escobitas” (little brooms). She knew exactly what she liked—and what she didn’t!

Her granddaughters, Cynthia and Jessica, gave her the most special Christmas in Colorado, complete with snow, lots of gifts, dancing, and singing. They took her to every hospital visit and appointment and, pretty low-profile like good Cubans, Gramma usually arrived with her full support team: Mary was her caregiver, Jessica was the driver, and Cynthia was the PR department and interpreter. Everyone knew Gramma was spoiled.

Her grandchildren from Miami also came to visit her in Denver, and they spent wonderful time together as a family.

In 2024, Edelia moved to Tampa with her daughter, Mary, and son-in-law, Pavel, who surrounded her with Cuban nostalgia and foods that Gramma had not tasted since she was a young woman, before the revolution in Cuba. Mary and Pavel spoiled her and made sure she was happy and cared for at all times.

Pavel lovingly called her “Mariposa,” meaning butterfly. He prepared wonderful meals for her that she enjoyed. And if she didn’t like something, she would immediately say, “¿Qué es esto?” or “Esto no hay quien se lo coma.” That was Gramma. Her illness and death have left a tremendous void in our family.

Throughout these difficult years, Pavel has generously cared for both Mary and Edelia, emotionally and financially. He opened his home to them and provided for the family. Edelia’s multiple hospitalizations and ongoing medical needs required Mary and Pavel to step away from work, resulting in significant loss of income. Now, as they mourn the loss of someone they loved deeply, they are also facing rapidly accumulating unpaid medical bills, rent, and other essential expenses.

We are asking our friends and family to support our mom Mary and Pavel as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to help them cover immediate expenses and begin getting back on their feet.

Any amount, no matter how small, will make a difference. Your support will help Mary and Pavel navigate this difficult transition while they grieve the loss of someone who meant so much to all of us.

Thank you to everyone who has loved, supported, cared for, and been there for our Gramma and our family. Your kindness means more than we can express.

Cynthia & Jessica